Land and Resources Environmental Protection Bureau Fu Chonghua Li Yazhou

November 9, 2023

From October 30 to November 2, Fu Chonghua, head of the Land Resources and Environmental Protection Bureau, and staff member Li Yazhou attended the 2023 Annual Conference of UNESCO Global Geoparks in China at Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark in Linyi City, Shandong Province, to exchange insights and conduct field studies on the construction and management of global geoparks. The participation report is as follows:

1. Basic Information

Introduction to Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark

The Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark is located in Linyi City, Shandong Province, covering a total area of 1,804 square kilometers. It comprises five major areas: the Mengshan Area, Diamond Area, Menglianggu Area, Yunmeng Lake Area, and Daigu Area. The park preserves the oldest stratum in North China dating back 2.75 billion years, along with 44 significant geological heritage sites including the "Daigu Landform." With a forest coverage rate of 91% in Mengshan, it serves as an ecological barrier for south-central Shandong. The area is the birthplace of the Yimeng Spirit in red culture, as well as the origin of Dongyi culture and mountain worship culture, integrating Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. In 2019, Yimengshan was successfully designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

(2) Brief Introduction to the Meeting

The China Global Geopark Annual Conference is the highest-level and most influential event in the field of global geoparks in China, serving as a grand gathering that integrates multi-party participation, achievement showcasing, experience exchange, innovation, development, and promotion. This year's conference aims to enhance communication and cooperation among China's global geoparks, summarize and exchange experiences in their construction and management, explore new development approaches, and strengthen the developmental and competitive advantages of China's global geoparks. Under the theme "Exchange for Advancement, Innovation for Development," the conference is guided by the Department of Natural Protected Areas of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the Department of Natural Resources of Shandong Province, organized by the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, the National Geopark Network Center, and the Linyi Municipal People's Government, and hosted by the Linyi Yimeng Mountain UNESCO Global Geopark Administration, the Pingyi County People's Government, and the Mengyin County People's Government.

The opening ceremony was presided over by He Qingcheng, Chief Scientist of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Executive Deputy Director of the National Geopark Network Center, and Director of the Global Geoparks Network Office. Speeches were delivered by Chen Xinfeng, Second-Level Inspector of the Department of Protected Area Management under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration; Wei Yanguang, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, and Director of the National Geopark Network Center; Ai Shibuya, Representative of the UNESCO Beijing Office; Ma Fuyi, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Natural Resources of Shandong Province (Deputy Director of the Provincial Forestry Bureau) and First-Level Inspector; and Zhang Baoliang, Deputy Party Secretary and Mayor of Linyi Municipal People's Government.

At the meeting, over 150 guests, including representatives from 50 geoparks across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as leaders from relevant departments and experts, shared experiences and exchanged ideas under the theme "Exchange for Improvement, Innovation for Development." The attending leaders presented the flag to the next host of the China UNESCO Global Geoparks Annual Conference, the Xingyi National Geopark in Guizhou Province.

2. Main contents of the meeting

First, He Qingcheng delivered the 2023 annual work report on China's UNESCO Global Geoparks. During the experience-sharing and exchange session, host geoparks including Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark, Tianzhushan UNESCO Global Geopark, Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark, Longyan Geopark, Linxia Geopark, and Leye-Fengshan Geopark shared their insights on various aspects such as geopark construction and management, microfilm production, partnerships, and scientific research and popularization, providing valuable references for other geoparks.

During the expert commentary session, Researcher Zhao Zhizhong from the Institute of Geomechanics, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, explained the standards and key evaluation points of UNESCO Global Geoparks. Professor-level Senior Engineer Zhang Zhonghui from the Henan Geological Survey shared the current issues and countermeasures in geopark operations. Associate Researcher Ren Fang from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences analyzed the key points of the UNESCO Global Geoparks' popular science interpretation system. Senior Manager Chen Yulan from the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark introduced a new form of geotourism—cultural tourism. Deputy Director Chen Ningzhang of the Taining UNESCO Global Geopark discussed the practical pathways for low-carbon operations in geoparks. Researcher He Qingcheng from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences shared insights on UNESCO Global Geoparks and carbon neutrality. The experts' comments provided invaluable experience for geopark managers in areas such as construction and management, re-evaluation preparation, and scientific research and popularization.

At the closing ceremony, Zhang Baoliang, Deputy Secretary of the Linyi Municipal Party Committee and Mayor, delivered a concluding speech. Finally, He Qingcheng, Executive Deputy Director of the National Geopark Network Center, received the conference flag from the leadership of the Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark Management Committee and handed it over to representatives of the Xingyi Geopark in Guizhou Province, the host of the 2024 annual conference.

This year's annual conference included not only experience sharing, exchange sessions, and expert commentary, but also featured exhibitions of China's UNESCO Global Geoparks and products from partners of the Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark. The Jingpohu Lake UNESCO Global Geopark was invited to create display boards for the exhibition, conducting promotional activities. The conference was successfully held and received unanimous praise from attending delegates.

After the meeting, the organizers arranged an on-site study tour for participants. During the Yishu River cruise, they gained a detailed understanding of the "Charm of Water in Langya" night river tour project. At the Daigu Area Museum of the Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark, they delved into the characteristics of the Daigu landform and the legacy of the Yimeng region's revolutionary spirit. In the Daigu Area, they conducted a thorough inspection of the unique Daigu landform and learned about the tourism development of the Grassland on Gu Summit scenic spot. At the Guimeng Mountain Scenic Area, they conducted in-depth research on tourism resource development and the construction of visitor-friendly facilities.

3. Experience and Lessons Learned

During this trip to Linyi City, Shandong Province for the conference, we conducted on-site inspections of representative sites in the Yimeng Mountain UNESCO Global Geopark. Drawing from the actual conditions of Jingpohu, the experiences and insights are reported as follows.

(1) Develop nighttime tourism projects

Yimeng City has developed the "Water Rhyme Langya" night cruise project along the Yi River that runs through the urban area. The project utilizes night cruise boats as a platform, employing advanced optoelectronic technology to create stunning visual effects through light and shadow displays on buildings along both banks of the Yi River. Meanwhile, leveraging local historical and cultural characteristics with Langya culture at its core and a contemporary Chinese aesthetic as the main theme, the city has integrated elements such as national trend culture, intangible heritage, and famous figures to develop a series of tourism attractions along the Yi River. These include a bonfire performance stage, giant sculpture photo spots, and the Langya Couples-themed square. It is reported that during the trial operation period from May 1 to July 31, 2023, the "Water Rhyme Langya" night cruise project launched a free reservation experience activity, achieving positive results in attracting tourists and building brand recognition.

The Jingpohu Lake Scenic Area launched a "Impressions of Bohai Kingdom: Golden Age of Haidong" music festival and a night market project this summer, enhancing its appeal to visitors. Drawing inspiration from Linyi City's experience, it could further utilize technologies like lighting and projection to develop nighttime boat sightseeing programs featuring local cultural elements such as the Bohai Kingdom, Princess Hongluo, and fishing traditions. Additionally, offering limited free reservation slots for tourism activities would help establish a nighttime tourism brand and further boost the area's overnight visitor retention.

2) Accelerating the Construction of Tourist Convenience Facilities   The Guimeng Mountain area of the Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark boasts stunning scenery, abundant unique rock formations, and a harmonious blend of natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Field investigations revealed that the hiking trails and summit areas of Guimeng Mountain are equipped with convenience kiosks, vending machines, and self-service charging stations, significantly enhancing the visitor experience.   Currently, tourist convenience facilities around the core scenic areas of Jingpohu Lake are concentrated near the North Gate complex, waterfalls, and villa zones, with modern amenities like vending machines and charging stations being relatively scarce. Considering the actual conditions of Jingpohu, efforts can be made to gradually improve the construction of tourist convenience facilities. For instance, adding vending machines along pedestrian walkways and the Shaoqi Trail area would better cater to visitors' needs.

(3) Continue to enhance scenic spots' ability to "tell stories"

The Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark excels at "telling stories" through its natural landscapes. It personifies the geological features of places like Guimeng Mountain and Daigu by likening them to human figures, animals, and other shapes, such as the "Great Man Peak," "Eagle's Nest Peak," and "Turtles Exploring the Sea." Additionally, the Jade Emperor Temple atop Guimeng Mountain attracts tourists from all over with its Taoist cultural appeal.

Jingpohu, with its picturesque scenery and vast expanse, can draw on the experience of the Yimeng Mountain scenic area to enhance its storytelling capabilities, develop unique natural landscapes like the Thousand Buddha Cliff, and expand tourism projects. In already developed scenic areas, it should effectively narrate stories of the Bohai Kingdom, the Red Luo Maiden, and fishing and hunting culture, further develop the ancient Yaoshi Temple, and enrich the cultural essence of the scenic area to better attract domestic and international tourists.

(4) Host a high-level UNESCO Global Geopark conference at an appropriate time

This year, we have successfully held the China Scenic Spot Sustainable Development Forum and the Integrated Development Exchange Conference of "Culture, Tourism, and Sports," achieving positive results and accumulating rich experience. Leveraging the prestigious brand of Jingpohu Lake UNESCO Global Geopark, hosting a high-level international geopark conference will help promote Jingpohu Lake globally and make significant contributions to its re-evaluation and inspection. First, renowned domestic and international experts and scholars will gather at Jingpohu, offering valuable insights for its protection and development, ensuring a bright future for the scenic area. Second, this event will serve as an opportunity to enhance publicity, and through the ripple effect of participant endorsements, the park’s visibility will significantly increase. Third, it will facilitate scientific research, substantially elevating Jingpohu’s research and science education standards, promoting widespread science outreach, enabling substantive development of study tourism, and further enhancing the park’s overall quality.